I am officially three weeks away from leaving the United States and going on a nine-month journey to Spain! I decided to come up with a list of the things I’m excited to experience while I’m over there to get pumped up for this adventure!
10. Getting a chance to experience the world without a set schedule. The last time I was in Spain, we had set times every day where we met with the rest of our group to do something touristy and talk with other people we already know. I’m excited to see Spain through the locals’ eyes and get to do the things I want to do!
9. Shopping! Europe has so many great brands that aren’t as easy to get over here, and everyone knows Europe has the best shopping!
8. Sharing my culture and learning more about theirs. We can only learn so much about a culture through reading and the best way to learn is through immersion.
7. Tolerable winters. This past winter on the East Coast was absolutely miserable. I was wearing sweaters well into April, it snowed more than it has ever snowed here, and there were multiple days it hit 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. After the World Cup in 2010, I became enamored with fútbol. I can’t wait to hopefully see some games in Spain (and maybe even in England!) and being able to watch Champions League games without having to worry about whether or not I’ll have class during that time.
5. DISCOTECAS. Not just going to the discotecas, but the experience of not going out until 2 in the morning (when most places close in the US) and staying out all night.
4. TAPAS. Not just the delicious food and wine I’ll be tasting, but also the experience of going out with friends on a tapeo and eating at multiple restaurants, only to eat dinner three hours later!
3. Languages! I already speak Spanish pretty well, but I really want to push it further and become more fluent. Also, I plan to take some classes in Catalan (the regional language of Catalonia). Maybe I’ll even get to practice some Portuguese!
2. FOOD. It’s been 14 months since I’ve had a delicious bocadillo, authentic gelato, and rellenos de leche … and of course, PAELLA. I can’t wait to consume more of these delicious items and taste even more!
1. Traveling around Europe. I’ve wanted to see different countries around Europe for a long time and now I’ll have it right at my fingertips. Even just traveling around Spain makes me so excited!
